Scott W Warren

Michael, I am not trying to defend my rig or anything but if you rig can fly the same camera that other rigs can and you can put on the same equipment why can't you consider it a pro rig? Just a question. I can fly any camera on the market fully loaded with my rig and put any components on it. I have worn pro rigs as you say and my rig and they feel and can do the same thing. Just asking. I know I didn't spend $100K on my rig, but I have put into it around $50K. Are we talking just the name that makes it professional? Thanks for the message.

Hi, my name is Scott and I am new to the forum but not new to steadicam operating. I just had a simple question. I have been doing steadicam operating now for about 4 years and have never once had my rate paid at what I think I deserve. Do you have to be part of the union for respect for your rates. Sometimes I feel it is this way or it could just be the market that I am in. Let me start off by saying that I am in Salt Lake City Utah and am one of 2 steadicam operators in the state with a professional rig. I fly a Actioncam Red Rebel Pro system and have put extras into my package. I feel like I am a really good operator. Not the best because I know there are guys out there that have been doing this for 20 years and I am still learning everyday. Right now I can't even get anyone to pay over $250 a day for me to fly my steadicam. The boom operator is making more then I am. I am finding it extremely hard to even find work here because I keep telling people no on that rate. Even the Film commissioner said don't dip on your rate so I haven't but now I don't even get phone calls. My guess is I need to get out of this state and find a better home to do steadicam operating. So funny story I was asked to do steadicam operating for a feature film for $50 a day here in the state. What are people thinking. Maybe people here in Utah just don't understand the type of money you spent on training and equipment plus the fact that it does take a ware on your body running steadicam. Suggestions please. I think I all ready know the answer to my question, but wanted some good input from all you professionals out there. I am thinking about moving to the bay area for a while. Thoughts? Thanks Scott W Warren

That is what I was thinking Adam. I can fly the rig and make it look good, but at times I am in pain during and after shooting. Plus I am for sure that I could getting shots a lot better and telling a story better then just trying to keep it balanced, because that is always my worry. It should be a muscle memory thing and I really should be focusing on how to tell the story through the shot less then trying to just keep it balanced and my subjects in frame. I feel that's were the workshop could really help. It is expensive, but if this is what I want to do full time I think it would be a great investment. Also what is the over all feeling about Actioncam. I have heard decent things, or would you all say Steadicam all the way? Thanks again guys

Thanks for the info Mark. Like your website by the way. What are thoughts on Actioncam? I have heard some good things about their products.

I am thinking about going to the Classic. I think it would be a lot of fun and a lot of great info. Iain, what is your background on steadicam if you don't mind me asking? I hope I can make it.

Thanks Mark for the reply. I think it would be good to go to the classic just for a better understanding on the big rigs, that I don't have any experience with. I have read the Steadicam Handbook and love the book and it has helped me a ton in my operating. I will look at the used rigs for sure. I really do like the steadicam name and what the professionals have said about these rigs. I don't know if I would choose any other brand. Thanks again.

My name is Scott Warren, and I am somewhat of a new operator. I have owned a Glidecam X-22 for about a year, but have never taken a workshop. I have been getting asked to do a lot more work with my Glidecam, but everyone keeps asking if I can fly the big rigs that can hold the big boy film cameras. My Glidecam of course only support 25lbs max so I have been very limited and have had to turn down jobs even with the Red camera, because they want to have a whole bunch of extras that I can't support. I have also been asked if I have a certification from the higher end jobs and when I tell them I don't they give me the cold shoulder. I wanted to know if the Eastern Classic is the type of certification that these guys are looking for? I also feel it could be beneficial to use some real equipment. I would have to say, I haven't been the biggest fan of the Glidecam x-22 and want to move over to Steadicam. I really want to be a steadicam OP in the industry because I love having the freedom to do what I want with the camera. I think I am ready to take the next step. Just really wanted to know if the Classic is worth all of the money? What would be the steadicam system you would suggest that could fly the bigger cameras like the red and film cameras? I know a lot of the operators own their own equipment. I would like to by a rig to fly these bigger cameras, suggestion would be great, and if anyone knows of used gear for sale that could move me up to the next level it would be great. Is it easier to land the jobs once you have certified and own a big rig? I have found it extremely hard to get jobs in Utah, because no one wants to pay for anything out there. They all want it done for like $25 a day and I have told a lot of people no. I can't feed my family for that and I also spent a lot of money on my equipment. Sorry that this is a long and somewhat scattered post, but I have a lot of questions. Thanks again. Scott